NSF International tests, certifies nutritional supplements to prevent unacceptable contaminants

Look for the NSF Mark Before You Purchase Nutritional Supplements to Make Sure They Have Been Tested for Contaminants and Undeclared Substances

Recent news coverage has consumers concerned about the alarming amount of contaminants, such as pesticides and heavy metals, being found in herbal supplements. NSF International, an independent, not-for-profit public health organization, helps ease these concerns by testing and certifying supplements to ensure they are free of undeclared substances and unacceptable contaminants. 

NSF International's Nutritional Supplement Certification Program:

• Toxicology Review: Verifies what's on the label is in the bottle and substantiates marketing claims.
• Contaminant Review: Tests the product to ensure there are no undeclared substances in the bottle, nor is there an unacceptable level of contaminants.
• Facility Inspection: Includes an audit of the manufacturing facility and annual audits to ensure the manufacturer is adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices in producing the product.

NSF International developed the American National Standard for nutritional supplements (NSF/ANSI Standard 173), in which this certification program is based.

"A recent study on herbal nutritional supplements conducted by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) is also contributing to the fear regarding high level of contaminants like pesticides and heavy metals in supplements," said Lori Bestervelt, Ph.D., NSF International Chief Technical Officer. "Consumers can rest assured that supplements certified by NSF have been tested and meet all safety requirements."

Consumers wishing to find NSF Certified supplements can view a list of these products on NSF International's website at http://www.nsf.org/Certified/Dietary.

To help consumers make educated decisions when choosing nutritional supplements, NSF International has developed a free Nutritional Supplement Fact Kit. The fact kit helps consumers understand the information on a nutritional supplement label, including claims, and how supplements are regulated.

NSF International also certifies product through its "Free of" Athletic Banned Substances Certification program that takes the dietary supplement certification program one step further by screening products for 140+ banned substances for athletes. The program helps ensure the supplements and sports nutrition products their athletes use are free of banned substances, including stimulants, narcotics, steroids, diuretics, beta blockers, masking agents, among other substances.